Scoliosis is often described as an 'S' deformation of the spine because of the visual aspect of the back of the affected individual. However, in reality, a spine affected by scoliosis shows more of a three-dimensional deformation that is more akin to the shape of a spiral staircase.

Some forms of scoliosis develop during childhood or adolescence without any known cause. They are known as 'idiopathic' and represent about 80% of cases of scoliosis in young individuals.

In the adult population, where the rate of scoliosis tends to increase with age, the causes are more commonly associated with joint degeneration (osteoarthritis). Joints affected by Osteoarthritis can become unstable, due to the gravitational force which exerts continuous pressure on them; the degenerated joints allow the displacement of the vertebrae which, over time, deforms the vertebral column and creates scoliotic curves.

The treatment

While many small and non-progressive forms of scoliosis require only to be kept under observation by a health professional, others whose curvatures are larger tend to progress and should be treated appropriately.

Traditionally, most cases of scoliosis were treated with rigid braces designed to immobilize the spine to stop the progression of the curvatures. However, these braces have many disadvantages including reduced mobility causing muscular atrophy, clothing restrictions and the possibility of suffering skin lesions. These disadvantages have led to poor patient compliance and other complications than at the onset of treatment. Additionally, adults for the most part refuse to wear the brace.

Since the early 1990's, researchers at the Ste-Justine Hospital and University of Montreal in Canada have been developing a new type of brace that, rather than relying on immobilisation and rigidity uses movement instead, to re-educate the neuromuscular system of the patient and to obtain lasting results.

The research led to the creation of a new generation of flexible braces, which for some years, is marketed under the name 'Dynamic SpineCor brace.' Many health practitioners around the world who use the SpineCor brace get excellent results when treating scoliosis. Feel free to consult the SpineCorporation's website to view the full body of scientific literature demonstrating the effectiveness of the brace.

If you want more information on scoliosis and the SpineCor dynamic brace, feel free to visit the website Posturetek.com. Canadian distributor of the brace, Posturetek's website allows anyone to find in one place all the essential information about scoliosis and this unique treatment method.

About the Author

Shaun Ziman, kinesiologist and representative for Posturetek, responsible for spreading the word across Canada about the benefits of the Dynamic SpineCor brace